Locating Satire in Literature
RAMDINMAWII
- Pages
- pp. 39-50
- Published
- July 1, 2016
RAMDINMAWII (2016). Locating Satire in Literature. Labyrinth, 7(3), 39-50.
Abstract
Satire, down the ages, has been considered as a powerful form of art by a great many writers, critics, academicians, scholars and literature aficionados. It remains a constant topic of discussion and a subject of selective erudition for researchers within the realm of literature. It is not an easy task to club together the techniques and characteristics of satire under a unified field of theory or genre as it covers a wide range of subject and what makes it more interesting is the fact that it cannot be restricted or limited to any specific morality or political boundary . Satire can also be considered as a sensitive subject and requires to be handled with careful practice from all angles as its result may end up undesirable. “ A satire is a work of literature or graphic art that uses humor for the purpose of censure or ridicule. Describing, dissecting, and discrediting behavior of which the satirist disapproves, satire can be expressed in many tones, from harsh and bitter to mild and gentle.” (Keyishian: 528)) Through recorded history and writings from the past to the present, it can be clearly identified that satire is an useful form of literature and its subject matter ranges from individual to individual as well as one place to another, basing its theme from society to a great length of politics. Today , satire has deeply rooted itself not only within the realm of literature, but also occupies an important place in television shows, comics and cartoons across the globe
Keywords:SatireLiteratureAristophanesHoraceDryden


